10+ Best Graphic Books for 13-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect graphic books for 13-year-olds? Whether they're a seasoned reader or just getting started, graphic books can be a fantastic way to engage young minds with exciting visuals and compelling narratives. Dive into this blog as we explore a variety of graphic books that are sure to captivate and inspire your teen. Keep reading to discover our top picks!

Fun Graphic Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Smile by Raina Telgemeier
  • Genre(s): Autobiography, Coming-of-age
  • Synopsis: This graphic novel is based on the author's own experiences and follows young Raina as she navigates middle school while dealing with dental issues and self-esteem.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartfelt, relatable story that tackles real-life issues with humor and grace, making it easier for young readers to engage with the content.
  • Perfect for: Teens looking for a story that mirrors the ups and downs of adolescence.

• Amulet: The Stonekeeper by Kazu Kibuishi
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: After moving to an ancestral home, Emily and her brother Navin discover a magical amulet that draws them into a world filled with monsters and allies.
  • Why we recommend this book: It features a rich, imaginative world that captivates and stimulates the creative minds of young readers.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and fantasy lovers who enjoy stories about quests and magical realms.

• Drama by Raina Telgemeier
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Drama
  • Synopsis: This story follows Callie, a middle schooler who loves theater, as she navigates the complexities of friendships and crushes while working on her school's drama production.
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses themes of friendship, identity, and belonging in a setting that is familiar to young teens.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring actors and anyone interested in the performing arts or school life.

• Ghostopolis by Doug TenNapel
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Supernatural
  • Synopsis: A young boy named Garth Hale is accidentally sent to the spirit world by a washed-up ghost wrangler, and together they must find a way for Garth to return home.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an exciting adventure that combines humor with touching moments, ideal for engaging young readers.
  • Perfect for: Fans of supernatural stories and thrilling adventures.

• El Deafo by Cece Bell
  • Genre(s): Autobiography, Humor
  • Synopsis: This is a semi-autobiographical account of the author's childhood with a powerful and humorous take on her experiences growing up deaf.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs of being different, encouraging empathy and understanding.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories about overcoming obstacles and finding one’s place in the world.

• Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Sports
  • Synopsis: The story follows twelve-year-old Astrid as she signs up for roller derby camp, learns the sport, and struggles with the ups and downs of friendship.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a great depiction of perseverance and personal growth, plus it introduces readers to the empowering world of roller derby.
  • Perfect for: Young athletes and anyone dealing with changes in friendships and personal challenges.

Educational Graphic Books for 13-Year-Olds

• March: Book One by John Lewis and Andrew Aydin, illustrated by Nate Powell
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Biography, History
  • Synopsis: This graphic novel is a first-hand account of Congressman John Lewis' lifelong struggle for civil and human rights, meditating in the modern age on the distance traveled since the days of Jim Crow and segregation.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, civil rights education, political awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a powerful narrative that connects deeply with the history of civil rights movements, making it both educational and inspiring.
  • Perfect for: History buffs and young activists interested in social justice and civil rights.

• Secret Coders by Gene Luen Yang, illustrated by Mike Holmes
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Mystery, Educational
  • Synopsis: This series starts with 12-year-old Hopper discovering a series of puzzles in her school that lead her into a world of coding and programming.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, basic programming, logical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It cleverly integrates coding lessons into a fun and engaging story, making it a great resource for learning computer science basics.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring coders and kids interested in STEM fields.

• Primates: The Fearless Science of Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Biruté Galdikas by Jim Ottaviani, illustrated by Maris Wicks
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Biography, Science
  • Synopsis: This graphic novel tells the stories of three of the most important scientists in the field of primatology: Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Biruté Galdikas.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific thinking, environmental awareness, understanding of primatology
  • Why we recommend this book: It highlights the groundbreaking work of three notable scientists in an accessible and visually engaging format.
  • Perfect for: Young scientists and animal enthusiasts.

• The Thrilling Adventures of Lovelace and Babbage: The (Mostly) True Story of the First Computer by Sydney Padua
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Historical, Humor
  • Synopsis: This graphic novel imagines an alternate universe where Ada Lovelace and Charles Babbage build the first computer and use it to fight crime and have adventures.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, computer science fundamentals, creative thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with history to educate about the origins of computing and the contributions of its pioneers in an entertaining way.
  • Perfect for: Tech-savvy kids and fans of alternate history.

• Science Comics: Rockets: Defying Gravity by Anne Drozd and Jerzy Drozd
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: This entry in the Science Comics series explains the principles of rocket science and the history of rocketry, from the ancient Chinese to modern space travel.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of physics, engineering concepts, space exploration history
  • Why we recommend this book: It breaks down complex scientific concepts into digestible, engaging comic strips that spark curiosity about space and science.
  • Perfect for: Future astronauts and young engineers.

Challenging Graphic Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood by Marjane Satrapi
  • Genre(s): Autobiography, Memoir, Historical
  • Synopsis: This graphic novel is a memoir of Marjane Satrapi growing up in Iran during and after the Islamic Revolution.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes such as identity, revolution, and social justice amidst historical events.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a personal glimpse into a significant historical period, offering a deep, emotional understanding of the impact of politics on personal life.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in history and personal narratives of resilience.

• Maus: A Survivor's Tale by Art Spiegelman
  • Genre(s): Biography, Historical, Holocaust
  • Synopsis: This Pulitzer Prize-winning graphic novel depicts the Holocaust, with Jews portrayed as mice and Nazis as cats.
  • Why this book is challenging: It presents the harrowing details of the Holocaust through complex narrative techniques and stark visuals.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s an essential read for understanding one of history's darkest times through a unique, impactful visual storytelling method.
  • Perfect for: Students of history and those interested in graphic novels as a serious art form.

• Here by Richard McGuire
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Experimental
  • Synopsis: This graphic novel focuses on a single room and shows the events that occur there over thousands of years, past, present, and future.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its nonlinear narrative and abstract concept challenge traditional storytelling methods and perception of time.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique and profound visual experience that enhances the reader’s understanding of time and space.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy innovative narratives and exploring deep, existential concepts.

• Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art by Scott McCloud
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Comics, Theory
  • Synopsis: This book is a detailed analysis of the comics medium and the artistic and structural elements that make up the comic book and graphic novel formats.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into complex theories about visual literacy, aesthetics, and communication.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s both an informative and practical guide to understanding how comics work and why they are an important form of art.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring comic book artists and readers interested in the mechanics of storytelling.

• The Arrival by Shaun Tan
  • Genre(s): Wordless, Picture Book, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This is a wordless narrative that tells the story of an immigrant's journey to an imaginary world, illustrating experiences of isolation and discovery.
  • Why this book is challenging: The lack of text requires the reader to interpret the detailed and rich illustrations to understand the story.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully captures the immigrant experience in a surreal, visually engaging way that opens up rich interpretations and empathy.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate art and stories about journeys and human experiences.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the colorful world of graphic books and want to make the most out of your reading experience, here are some great exercises to help you develop strong reading habits. These are perfect for 13-year-olds who are exploring graphic novels and comics. Let's get started!

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how many graphic books you want to read in a month.
  • How it helps: Helps you stay focused and motivated to read regularly.
  • Tips: Start with a realistic number and increase it as you get more comfortable.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in your home as your reading nook.
  • How it helps: Enhances concentration and makes reading a special part of your day.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s quiet, comfy, and has good lighting.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the graphic books you read with friends or family.
  • How it helps: Improves understanding and memory of the story.
  • Tips: Join or start a book club to make this more fun and engaging.

• Visual Vocabulary Journal
  • What it is: Keep a notebook where you draw or write new words and phrases you learn.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and helps you remember new terms.
  • Tips: Try to use the new words in your daily conversation or in writing.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Guess what might happen next before you continue reading.
  • How it helps: Increases engagement and analytical thinking.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions and see how many you get right as you read.

• Summarize Each Chapter
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter or section after you read it.
  • How it helps: Boosts comprehension and retention of the material.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries concise and revisit them before continuing the book.

• Illustrate Your Thoughts
  • What it is: Draw scenes or characters based on your interpretation of the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances creativity and helps you connect visually with the story.
  • Tips: Don’t worry about artistic skill; focus on expressing your vision.

By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you'll not only enjoy your graphic books more, but you'll also build strong and lasting reading habits. So, grab your favorite graphic novel, pick an exercise, and start enhancing your reading experience today! Happy reading!